Pinellas County announced on May 28 that its rainy season fertilizer restrictions will be in effect from Monday, June 1, through September 30. The county’s Fertilizer Ordinance prohibits the sale or application of lawn and landscape fertilizers containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus during this period. Phosphorus is not allowed at any time of year unless a soil test confirms it is needed, and fertilizer cannot be applied within 10 feet of the top of a slope leading to a seawall, wetland, or waterbody.
The ordinance applies to both property owners maintaining their own lawns and professional landscapers. Pinellas County regulates landscape maintenance practices throughout the year and encourages residents to use best management practices to maintain healthy lawns while protecting local waterbodies from excess nutrients. The county offers a quarterly free Landscape Best Management Practices course for those interested in learning more about responsible lawn care.
The purpose of these restrictions is to prevent fertilizer runoff and yard waste from entering lakes, ponds, rivers, Tampa Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, or leaching into groundwater. According to Pinellas County officials, excess nitrogen and phosphorus can lead to harmful algae blooms that lower oxygen levels in water bodies and result in fish kills.
During the summer months, Pinellas County recommends using products labeled with “0-0” as the first two numbers on fertilizer packaging. Other recommendations include applying iron for green lawns without promoting growth; using compost; mowing St. Augustine and Bahia turf at heights between 3½ to 4 inches; watering no more than half an inch to three-quarters inch per session while following watering restrictions; ensuring irrigation rain shutoff devices are working properly; choosing Florida-adapted plants suited for their environment; being cautious with reclaimed water due to its nutrient content near water bodies; and consulting county resources for further information.
Pinellas County serves more than one million residents and visitors while managing over 20,000 acres of parks and preserves as part of its commitment to sustainability, according to the official website.
